Re-orbiting of Geosynchronous Satellites by Earth-Oriented Tethers
- Paper number
IAC-06-D4.3.05
- Author
Dr. Vladimir A. Chobotov, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Nahum Melamed, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The study investigates the possibility of transporting geosynchronous orbit (GEO) debris objects to a higher altitude by using extended length Earth pointing tethers. The procedure involves contraction of the tether system in GEO with consequent separation of the debris objects at a higher altitude. Re-extension of the tethers returns the configuration to its original location in or near GEO. The methodology used in the study involves calculation of the tether and debris system total energy states as a function of the system configuration. The two end masses and the third mass representing the mass of the tether in GEO and any of the debris objects that may be collected constitute the dynamic model in the study. Conservation of angular momentum and the balance of forces along the local vertical are maintained at all times. The results of the study show that the system considered is capable of transporting GEO objects to a significantly higher altitude and returning to GEO by at first contracting the extended tether to a point and re-extending the tether for return to GEO. A new and practical method for re-orbiting GEO debris objects to selected graveyard orbits thus may be possible. It may, therefore, be concluded that the amount of mechanical work done in contracting the system, while maintaining constant angular momentum, determines the altitude of the contracted system. Energy recovery during regenerative braking while re-extending the tether for return to GEO may also be possible.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D4.3.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.